a digital scrapbook

After avoiding the ending for weeks, I finally finished reading Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln last night, an epic multi-biography on Lincoln and his cabinet. I daresay it’s one of the most exciting US history books I’ve read; the story alone is amazing, the narrative though is outstanding.

Now I can give Ryan a break from hearing me gush about our 16th President’s magnanimity and the relationships he forged within his cabinet. Though I can’t stop thinking about my newfound admiration of William H. Seward (Secretary of State) and Edwin M. Stanton (Secretary of War)… but I digress. Abraham Lincoln? Count me awestruck.

With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan–to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations.

It’s our first day in Vancouver and the energy in this city is pretty amazing. But first–my food highlight of the day: an imperial duck roll with avocado and scallions from Next Noodle Bar! The name is pretty self-explanatory, but I can’t figure out the doughy wrapping that pulled this wonderful appetizer together. In any case, I now believe duck and avocado are meant to be.

I finally finished uploading my photos from Las Vegas last month. I was going to write about our NYEE dinner at “chef of the century” Joël Robuchon’s restaurant at MGM Grand, but Ly beat me to it! He also did such an excellent job describing each dish I’m just going to link him: Homemade Food Reviews: L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon.

Needless to say, it was a pretty amazing experience. A photo says a thousand words, but in this case, it hardly does the meal justice:

Something has changed within me
Something is not the same
I’m through with playing by the rules
Of someone else’s game
Too late for second-guessing
Too late to go back to sleep
It’s time to trust my instinct
Close my eyes: and leap!